Signs and symptoms
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Transcript Signs and symptoms
Introduction to Chemotherapy: A Presentation
for Patients and Families
Welcome and Introduction
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Review
General and specific side effects
How to manage side effects
What symptoms to report
How to report symptoms
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Questions
Tour of Regional Center
Health Care Team
Physicians:
Oncologist,
Family Dr
Patient &
Family
Counsellors
Volunteers
Secretaries
Person living
with cancer
Unit
Clerks
Nurses
Pharmacists
Dieticians
What is cancer?
• Disease that starts in our cells
• Our body’s cells normally grow in an orderly
fashion
• Cancer cells do NOT behave like “normal cells”
grow to form lumps or tumors
may spread to other parts of the body
• Cancer is named after the part of the body
where it started
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy …
• Medications that destroy cancer cells
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Also known as “chemo”
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There are over 100 different chemo drugs
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One or more chemo drugs may be used to
treat a cancer.
Goals of chemotherapy
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Eliminate the cancer
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Shrink the tumor
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Prevent cancer from spreading
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Relieve symptoms from cancer, such
as pain
Chemotherapy is given by …
Intravenous
Pills
Take home
Infusion pump
Side effects from chemotherapy
• There are potential side effects for each
specific chemotherapy
• You will NOT experience ALL side effects
• Some side effects can be prevented
Potential side effects
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Bone marrow suppression
Nausea & vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Hair loss
Fatigue
Mouth sores
Reproductive/hormonal changes
Sensory changes
Thinking, memory & attention
changes
Patient resource
“Chemotherapy and Other
Drug Therapies:
A guide for
people with cancer”
Bone marrow suppression
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Blood cells of the bone marrow:
Red blood cells – carry oxygen to body’s cells
White blood cells –fight infection
Platelets – form blood clots/scabs
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Blood cell levels may decrease following
chemotherapy
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Expected to return to normal by the start of
next treatment
Checking blood cells
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Blood cells must return to a “safe” level prior
to each treatment
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Blood tests are done 1 to 4 days prior to
treatment
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**Check appointment card & lab requisition**
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Blood test results may affect treatment
Low white blood cells
(neutropenia)
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White cells are your infection fighting cells
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May be lowered for a short time after your
chemo treatment
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Your body will be less able to fight infection
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It is important to recognize the signs and
symptoms of an infection
What are some signs of infection?
Signs & symptoms of infection
• FEVER
• Flu like symptoms, e.g. body aches
• Feeling warm, chilled or shaky
• Sore throat and/or mouth
• Productive cough and/or shortness of breath
• Burning when urinating/urinating more often
• Areas of redness or tenderness
• Loose or liquid stools
*Report any signs and symptoms*
If your temperature is 38°C or more
(or 100.4°F or more)…
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This is a FEVER
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Fever is a sign of infection, even if you don’t
have any other signs
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Fever is serious when your white blood cells are
low
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Do not take medications for fever (e.g. Tylenol®)
unless directed by your cancer care team
Report a FEVER IMMEDIATELY!
Numbers to call are in your package
How you can prevent infection
• Wash your hands - frequently with soap &
water
• Avoid people with infections
• Wash your hands
• Check with your oncologist before having
any invasive procedures (e.g. dental or
surgical procedure)
• Avoid skin cuts and nicks
• Wash your hands
Do I come to the clinic if I have
an infection?
Call the Cancer Centre FIRST!
• If you have an infection (flu) or
• If you have been exposed to an infectious
illness such as chicken pox or shingles
Friends and family with
infections should stay at home
until they have recovered
Low platelets
(thrombocytopenia)
Platelet cells are responsible for making clots
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May be lowered for a short time after your
chemo treatment
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Your ability to form a clot will be lowered
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It is important to recognize the signs and
symptoms of low platelets
What are some signs of low platelets?
Signs & symptoms of low platelets
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cut that won’t stop bleeding
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bruises on body
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bleeding from nose and gums
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red pinpoint rash
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black tarry stools
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blood in urine
*Report any signs and symptoms*
How to manage low platelets
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use soft tooth brush
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continue regular oral hygiene, caution with
flossing
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blow nose gently
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avoid ibuprofen(Advil) & aspirin(ASA),
unless ordered by Doctor
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avoid high risk activities - BE CAREFUL
Low red blood cells
(anemia)
• Red cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to
the body’s cells
• May be lowered for a short time after your
chemo treatment
• Your energy level will be affected
• It is important to recognize the signs and
symptoms of low red cells
What are some signs of low red cells?
Signs & symptoms of low red
blood cells
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Low energy / fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Chest tightness / chest pain
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Pale appearance
*Report any signs and
symptoms*
Fatigue
• Fatigue is the most common symptom during
and after chemotherapy treatments
Signs/symptoms
• feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy
that does NOT always improve with rest
• May affect your ability to do daily activities
• Often overlooked, but it is real and can be
managed
How to manage fatigue
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Do regular light exercise
Balance physical and social activities with rest
Listen to your body and rest when needed
Stick to a regular sleep pattern
Eat a well balanced diet
Drink plenty of fluids
Allow friends and family to help you
Talk to your cancer care team if concerned
about fatigue
Resource: Your Bank to Energy Savings “Helping
People with Cancer Handle Fatigue”
Nausea and Vomiting
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Nausea = an unpleasant, queasy
feeling or feeling sick to your
stomach
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Vomiting = throwing up
Not all people receiving chemotherapy
experience nausea and vomiting
Medications to prevent
nausea & vomiting
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Physician will give you a prescription to help
prevent nausea and vomiting
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Fill your prescriptions at your community
pharmacy
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Bring the medications with you
Unless advised, do not take these pills prior to
coming to your Chemo appointment.
If cost is a concern:
Patient & Family Counseling can assist
How to manage
nausea and vomiting
• Stay well hydrated - 8 cups of fluid
• Eat frequent, small, light meals (esp. on treatment day)
• Keep your mouth clean: brush at least twice daily
Avoid:
• Hot, spicy, greasy foods
• Heavy meals immediately after treatment
• Strong odors
Resource: “Food Choices to Help Control Nausea”
Constipation
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When you are not having bowel movements as
often as you used to
Caused by:
• Some chemotherapy drugs
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Some anti-nausea drugs
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Most pain medications
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Reduced fluid or fiber intake
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Stress
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Lack of exercise
Resource: “Suggestions for Dealing with Constipation”
How to manage constipation
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It is normal to have a bowel movement at least
every 2-3 days (even when little food is eaten)
How to prevent:
• Increase your fluid intake – 8 glasses/day
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Warm fluids
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Increase your fiber intake
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Be as physically active as possible
If you have not had a bowel movement in 3 days
please talk to your cancer care team
Diarrhea
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When your bowel movements are more
frequent or more watery than normal
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Can be serious if not managed
Some causes:
• chemotherapy drugs
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Antibiotics
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bowel surgery
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radiation to the pelvis
How to manage diarrhea
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If prescribed by your oncologist – use your
anti-diarrhea medications as instructed
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Eat small/frequent meals
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Choose foods with less fiber
Avoid:
• foods that may aggravate diarrhea
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spicy/greasy foods
Resources: “Food ideas to help manage Diarrhea” &
“Dietary fiber content of common foods”
Dehydration
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Dehydration can be a result of untreated diarrhea
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can be dangerous if not prevented/managed
How to prevent/manage:
• drink 8 to 10 glasses
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Use “anti-diarrhea” medications - as instructed by
your health care team
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When you feel better, eat foods high in calories
and protein
Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours - contact your
cancer care team
Signs and symptoms of
dehydration
• Fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Low urine output
• Dark colored urine
*Report any signs and symptoms*
Mouth sores
• Occur within a few days after treatment
• On the tongue, gums, sides of the mouth,
lips and throat
Signs and symptoms:
• Pain
• Bleeding gums
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Can lead to an infection
*Report any signs and symptoms*
How to manage mouth sores
• Inspect mouth regularly
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Rinse 3 to 4 times/day - baking soda in warm
water
• Use a soft toothbrush
• Avoid mouthwash with alcohol
• Make sure dentures fit well
• Avoid extreme hot or cold; spicy foods
Resource: “Food Ideas to Try with Mouth Sores”
Skin changes
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Skin is body’s first line of defense
against bacteria
Signs and symptoms:
• Redness
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rash / acne
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Itching
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peeling
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Dryness
How to manage skin changes
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wash skin often
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warm water and gentle soap
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moisturizers – alcohol/fragrance free
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lanolin based lip balms and creams
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protect against sun exposure (clothing or
SPF 30)
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protective eye wear and hats
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electric razor
Hair loss
• Some chemo drugs
• Begins approx 2-3 weeks after 1st treatment
• Scalp could feel tender when hair starts to fall out
• Some people prefer to cut their hair short
• We suggest not to cut your hair until you come to
your 1st chemo appointment
• Your hair will begin to grow back 3-4 weeks after
final treatment
Resources for hair loss
• “Prescription” for a wig from the oncologist
• Visit a wig shop before you lose your hair
• Donated wigs at Canadian Cancer Society
• Look Good Feel Better Program – register
at your cancer center
Resources:
Information can be found on the BCCA Website
(Coping with Cancer), Volunteer Services and
Patient & Family Counselling
Sensory changes
Senses potentially affected by chemo
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Touch – Muscles and Nerves
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Sound – Hearing
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Taste
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Smell
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Sight
Taste changes
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Foods may not taste the same
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Described as “metallic” or “cardboard” taste
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Can affect your appetite
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Use of sweet and salty flavorings - can help
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Changes are temporary
Resource:
“Coping with Taste Changes” and “Food Ideas to
Cope with Taste and Smell Changes”
Memory changes
• Some memory changes
concentration
“chemo-brain” or “brain fog”
• Difficulty thinking and focusing
• May be caused by chemo, fatigue, stress, insomnia
How to manage memory changes:
• Plan activities
• Make lists
• Ask for help
Resources: BCCA website Coping with Cancer
Reproductive and hormonal
changes
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Chemotherapy may cause changes in hormone
levels or reproductive organs:
may affect your fertility
may cause early menopause
may change your sexual desire
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Talk to your cancer care team for more information
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Talk to Patient and Family Counseling for support
Resources: Sexuality and Cancer
Tips for treatment day
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length of treatments can vary
wear comfortable clothing (sleeves that roll up)
No fragrance – due to sensitivities to smell (this
also applies to support people accompanying you to your
appointments)
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eat a light meal before and after treatment
take your regular medications
Transportation:
• arrange a ride to and from your appointment
Parking:
• BCCA please bring money for the parking meter
…more tips
Bring:
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snacks & drink (no strong odors)
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support persons - 1 person at a time (not appropriate place
for children)
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magazines, books, music with headphones
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New Patient Package
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Questions
Prescriptions:
• our anti-nausea prescriptions are filled in your
community pharmacy
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bring your anti-nausea pills with you
Why do we mention to “drink
plenty of fluids”?
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Water and fluids are vital to health
Staying hydrated helps with:
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Easier to start your IV
Natural Health Products (NHPs):
Are they safe during cancer
treatment?
BCCA Recommendations:
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NHPs are NOT recommended during
chemotherapy (radiation and surgical
treatments)
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Please inform your oncologist about the use of
NHP
A Pharmacist is available to counsel and answer
questions
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Safety precautions
• Keep chemotherapy out of reach of children
• It takes approximately 48 hours for your body to
filter the chemo out
• During that time, your body fluids (urine, vomit or
semen) carry small amounts of drug waste
• Exposure to this drug waste can irritate your skin
and be harmful to others & pets
Resource:
“Guidelines for Handling Cancer Drugs and Body
Fluids in the Home”
…more precautions
• Flushing toilet - lid down to prevent splashing
• If chemotherapy or body wastes splash on
your skin - wash the area with soap and
water
• Use a condom during intercourse
• Pregnancy and breast feeding should be
avoided
Resources:
“Chemotherapy and other Drug Therapies” &
“Sexuality and Cancer”
When to call?
CALL if you have problems such as:
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Fevers (≥ 38°C) and/or shaking, chills
Mouth sores, mouth pain
Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting
Uncontrolled diarrhea
Constipation
Abnormal bleeding or bruising
Painful IV site
…and if you are not sure…
CALL:
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Telephone Nursing Line during clinic hours
On-call Doctor after clinic hours
Pharmacy Services
Drug
Information
Natural Health
Products
Side
Effects
Drug
Interactions
Identification required for
medication pick up
Patient ID required for every prescription
Two identifiers each time – eg. birth date, address
One primary piece of ID
eg. Driver’s license, BC provincial identity card, passport
Or two pieces of secondary ID
eg. BCCA identification card, BC Care Card, birth certificate
When pick up by person other than patient
Letter signed by patient indicating permission
Or two pieces of patient’s ID as indicated above
Patient and Family
Counselling Services
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Support and counselling are a vital part of coping
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Individuals, couples and families
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Support groups and programs
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Information and referral to community services
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Assistance and information about practical and financial
concerns
Resources:
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/copingwithcancer/default.htm
Nutrition Services
• Oncology Dietitian available at each Cancer Center
• Able to support you with difficulty eating, drinking,
swallowing or maintaining your weight
• Ask your nurse or doctor for referral
Resources:
BCCA Website - Coping with Cancer
Nutritional Support: BC Cancer Agency
Health Link BC (formerly Dial-A-Dietitian)
Dial 8-1-1 for general nutrition questions or
Speak with a specialized Oncology Dietitian
Resource: “Eating Well When You Have Cancer”
Library Services
• Librarian available at each Cancer Center
Resources:
• Books, pamphlets, audio and videotapes
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Cancer, treatment, coping with cancer, care-giving,
healing, relaxation, sexuality and other topics of
interest
QUESTIONS?